In the late 90′s, you would be hard-pressed to find a more ardent proponent of high-end Champagne Cristal, than Jay Z. Fast forward to 2006, however, and things took a very negative turn when Frederic Rouzaud, managing director of Louis Roederer, the company that produces Cristal, had some not too kind words for his new found Hip-Hop clientele. When asked if Cristal’s growing association with Hip-Hop could tarnish the brand, Rouzaud replied: “That’s a good question, but what can we do? We can’t forbid people from buying it. I’m sure Dom Perignon or Krug would be delighted to have their business.”

After years of trumpeting the product (presumably with no compensation), Jay Z took great offense at those comments and staged a very high profile boycott of Cristal and the Hip-Hop Nation followed him. Since then, Jay has become a business unto himself and luxury companies like Hublot and Barneys have gladly welcomed an association with his brand…and paid handsomely for it. That likely has been satisfaction sweeter than the taste of Cristal for Mr. Carter, but today, he’s taken a step that is likely even more satisfying. For the 8 years since his boycott of Cristal, Jay has been name-checking Ace of Spades as his Champagne of choice and now, he is the beverage’s proud owner. Sovereign Brands, former owner of Ace of Spades released the following statement:

“We are proud to announce that Sovereign Brands, a New York-based wine and spirits company owned by the Berish family, has sold its interest in the Armand de Brignac (“Ace of Spades”) Champagne brand to a new company led by the globally renowned Shawn “JAY Z” Carter”…We have had a wonderful relationship with Jay Z throughout the years since he first discovered Armand de Brignac. He became interested in owning the brand and made us an offer we simply couldn’t refuse.”